Different types and formats of CVs

what will you choose?

There’s a lot of talk about different CVs such as functional CVs, skills-based CVs, chronological CVs, etc. Quite a lot of the advice given is confusing and some of it just ends up taking people’s focus away from the main thing they should be concentrating on; namely writing a CV that will get them an interview. If you are one of the many who struggle with this, then assistance is at hand and linkedin profile writer service can help you create a far more powerful work experience section. But if you think that you can do it yourself, just read my tips below.

A lot of advisers seem to pigeonhole different types of CVs, and are so blinkered that they don’t see the benefits of combining the best elements of each. This is quite surprising because if you combine the best of elements of different kinds of CVs you can often get better results.

For example, many advisers (including some recruiters) will tell you to write a two or three-page chronological CV. However, there is a problem in that employers tend to prefer shorter CVs, and in many cases there are advantages to functional CVs.

What these advisers fail to realise is that it is possible to create a short, focused and ultimately powerful CV that actually combines the best elements of functional, chronological and skills-based CVs.

Possibly one reason why they don’t realise this, is that such CVs are hard to write, certainly much harder than typical long chronological CVs. However, it isn’t impossible. You could try to do it yourself, but if you find it too difficult, consider engaging a top professional CV writer to do the job for you.

How your CV is structured and put together – it’s format – is important and should not be underestimated.

If you listen to 10 different careers advisers they will probably tell you to write your CV in 10 different formats. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they are all wrong. However, it does indicate that there is some disagreement as to what constitutes the best format, and that some advice is almost certainly contradictory. So beware who you listen to.

Start your CV with your contact details (name and address, telephone, etc). It isn’t necessary to include details such as marital status.

The next section is your personal profile. While some people prefer to include objectives, a personal profile is generally more effective.

Conventionally the next section is work experience, however students and recent graduates often place the qualification section above the work experience section.

When you write your work experience, use bullet points rather than paragraphs or other multiline entries. This gets your message across in a concise manner, as well as helping with the overall presentation.

Following work experience and qualifications is the skills section. This is where you briefly list your skills and attributes which are relevant to the job you are seeking.

Some people sign off their CV with a references section, and you can do this if you have space, though it isn’t necessary. It is often better to leave this section out completely, unless the employer specifically asks for references at the CV stage.

Teresa M. Brashear grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from California State University. She spent seven years working in Washington, D.C. in PR agency and moved back in LA. Now she is HR-manager in IT company, successful writer and mom. When she isn’t glued to a laptop screen, she spends time working in the garden, learning French and Chinese, and trying to be good volleyball player in amateur team.

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